Adult Education Innovation

Adult Education in Michigan

Michigan’s long-term economic success increasingly depends on the education and skills of its residents. Across the country, regions with a highly skilled workforce are seeing stronger economic growth—and this trend will only accelerate as artificial intelligence and automation raise the bar for workforce readiness.

Michigan faces a dual challenge: an aging population and declining birth rate, alongside lower levels of educational attainment compared to neighboring states and the nation. To remain competitive in a knowledge-driven economy, the state must prioritize upskilling its adult population while strengthening its education system from early learning through postsecondary pathways.

TalentFirst's Report on Adult Education

TalentFirst’s report, Restoring the Promise of Adult Education, outlines a clear path to strengthening Michigan’s adult education system as a critical driver of talent development and economic growth. Developed in partnership with Public Policy Associates, the report draws on research, data analysis, and input from educators, employers, and adult learners to highlight current challenges and opportunities—and to present a set of actionable strategies to better serve adult learners and meet the evolving needs of the workforce.

Read the recommendations from the report below.